Police investigating an 18 month-old murder by a serial sex attacker – linked by DNA to a series of rapes in East London – have released this CCTV image in a bid to catch the predator.
Michelle Samaraweera, 35, (pic.top) was raped and strangled on May 30, last year and her body was found in a small park and play area in Queens Road, Walthamstow.
She had just left Somerfield supermarket, Markhouse Road when a man police want to trace (pic.bottom) entered the store.
The murder has been linked by DNA to three other sex attacks in Waltham Forest and the offences are now being investigated by the Homicide and Serious Crime Command.
On March 24 at 1:00am a 59-year-old woman was attacked after walking home in South Grove, Walthamstow.
As she approached her front door she noticed the suspect standing nearby and as she entered her property he forced his way inside, raping her in her bedroom.
On April 22 at 1:00am a 46-year-old woman walking along Lea Bridge Road was approached by the suspect who forced her into an alleyway near South Grove.
She was raped before the suspect fled, warning her not to leave the scene.
On April 29 at 1:30am a 32 year-old woman was walking through the grounds of St. Saviour's Church, Markhouse Road towards the same Somerfield store when she realised a man was following close by.
The victim has no memory of the attack, but a member of the public heard noises and called police.
Officers arrived shortly after to find the victim half-naked and semi conscious in the churchyard.
Two similar late-night attacks in the same area on a16 year-old and 46 year-old in March are not DNA linked, but police believe the same assailant is responsible.
The suspect has been described as being of Asian appearance, or with dark skin and dark hair, and is aged between 30 and 45 years.
The suspect in both attacks was described as being of Asian or black appearance with a light skin tone.
Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Hill said: “Michelle was callously murdered as she returned to her boyfriend’s address after stopping by at a local supermarket.
“We have been trying to trace a man who entered the shop on the same night as Michelle and we're keen to speak to anyone who can help us identify him.
“Due to the clarity of the pictures we're confident someone will know him and know his current whereabouts.”
Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8345 3715.
If you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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